Mojang may face legal action for user-made “Putt-Putt” Minecraft maps.
Minecraft is essentially a set of tools for creative individuals to play with, so it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that sometimes people like to make things within the game’s sandbox. One recent trend among content creators is the rise of mini golf maps, called “Putt-Putt” maps by the community. Unfortunately, it seems nobody informed the owners of the actual Putt-Putt trademark, and they’re not cool with this turn of events. A cease and desist letter misguidedly orders Mojang to stop infringing on the Putt-Putt trademark, despite all the content in question being user-generated.
Notch revealed the contents of the letter with all his characteristic legal tact:
Putt Putt being silly: http://t.co/SNF3LagykM— Markus Persson (@notch) July 9, 2013
It’s pretty standard legalese, claiming that “Mojang AB’s use of the Putt-Putt name has benefited Mojang AB to the detriment of Putt-Putt … Accordingly, we require your prompt written assurance that Mojang AB, and each and every person, agent, and entity affiliated with Mojang AB, will immediately refrain from all use of the Putt-Putt trademark in connection with your business.” That should be pretty easy, since Mojang has never invoked the name of Putt-Putt in any official capacity, though the lawyers might not be happy with that answer.
The letter includes a screenshot of a Google search for “putt putt craft,” which turns up several user-made videos on the topic. Those videos may be in danger of getting pulled from Youtube on copyright claims, but right now it looks like Putt-Putt is barking up the wrong tree.
Source: Twitter
